Photo of couple holding hands during hurricane evacuation goes viral

As locals in the Carolinas brace themselves for Hurricane Florence, a photo of two elderly nursing home residents being evacuated is going viral.

A spokesperson for South Carolina’s Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC) told Yahoo Lifestyle that the touching image — which shows the couple, who cannot be identified for privacy issues, holding hands while being transported to safety — was captured by an emergency services team conducting medical evaluations in Beaufort County, S.C.

DHEC received this photo of an elderly couple being evacuated by an #EMS crew from a SC coastal nursing home. We are grateful for the incredible crews still assisting with safe medical evacuations. #HurricaneFlorencepic.twitter.com/rVoMLfdswX

On Wednesday the agency said that more than 1,700 people have been evacuated from coastal medical facilities.

The photo has prompted praise for the emergency workers keeping residents safe, as well as emotional messages championing the couple’s love.

“My tears are flowing,” a Facebook commenter wrote.

“Beautiful picture of dedication … of emergency preparedness staff, of evacuation crews, and of this couple for the enduring commitment they have for each other,” read another comment. “THIS is what LOVE looks like. God please keep them all safe.”

“I love that they were able to stay together,” added a commenter.

“What a wonderful tribute to all EMTs and crews who respond in times of need!!” someone remarked.